current music: Eight times out of 10, my iPod offers up something from the 80s. That’s what happens when you’re 40-something, I suppose. Most recently, I listened to “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant, “Dude Looks Like a Lady” by Aerosmith, “Wreck of the Day” by Anna Nalick (the only non-80s tune in the bunch) and “Private Idaho” by the B52s. All great walking songs, with the possible exception of “Wreck of the Day.” It’s good for slow, cool-down walking.

current guilty pleasure: I went to McDonald’s for lunch and saw they’re offering a chocolate-dipped cone. Not willing to order willy-nilly, I tracked down its nutritional stats — and when I discovered it had 6 WW PointsPlus, decided to indulge. OMG, so good. It was the perfect combo of chocolate coating and creamy ice cream. And at 6 Points, it’s a “cheaper” indulgence than the Wendy’s Frosty Waffle Cone (which they do now have in Flagstaff). That sucker has 8 Points.

current nail color: Who has time for a manicure?

current drink: A Skinny Caramel iced latte from the Bux will always do me. If I’m in the mood to splurge, a Java Chip Frappuccino Light with a little whipped cream.

current food: I’m still loving Lindsay’s Tuna-Quinoa Cakes … and her Greek Black Bean Burgers. Heck, just give me pretty much anything from The Lean Green Bean and I’m happy. It seems my sister-in-law is also a fan. When I was at their place in Salt Lake City last month, she had a batch of Quinoa Breakfast Bars in the freezer and we had Tuna-Quinoa Cakes one night for dinner. Well, the adults did. I can’t remember what my niece and nephew ate.

current favorite show: As I’ve said before, I don’t get a chance to watch much prime time TV. I am, however, excited about the new episodes of “Arrested Development” on Netflix. All I have to do is borrow the Boyfriend’s Netflix login so I can enjoy …

current wish list: Winning the lottery. I’m getting ready to self-publish my first novel this fall, and I’m quickly realizing you have to spend money to make money.

current needs: Money. (See above.) Time. Exercise and healthy eating.

current indulgence: Popcorn with a little butter and bacon salt. I found this salt at Cost Plus World Market last time I went out there to replenish my supply of Torani sugar-free syrups. Putting it on popcorn sounded like such a good idea that you’d better believe I added it to my shopping basket.

current blessing: Visiting with Dan, Sharon and the kiddos. I need to get up there more often.

current outfit: Victoria’s Secret Pink sweatpants and a Nike sweatshirt. Mismatched, because that’s how I roll this week. I dress like I’m color blind, and I don’t care. That, too, happens when you’re 40-something. Other people’s opinions cease to matter quite so much.

current excitement: Preparing to self-publish my first novel. It’s going to be a lot of work, and there’s so much to learn … but I’m excited to take on the challenge. I have stories to tell, and I’m ready to send them into the world.

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Losing weight is easy …

... if you're in a coma, maybe. Most of us have to work at it — every day and every minute. It's not easy to make the right choices, to drink water instead of (diet) soda, pick the grilled chicken sandwich instead of a burger or choose to get up and get moving instead of lounging around in bed. After spening too long making the wrong choices, I've re-committed to a low-carb lifestyle. My choices may no longer be Weight Watchers- or Whole30- or paleo-approved, but the concept is the same: I'm still getting closer to my goal weight one choice at a time.

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Have a question, comment or suggestion? Email me at arleneawl@gmail.com

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Disclaimer

Please note that I’m not a doctor, registered dietitian or fitness expert. I'm merely sharing my experiences with weight loss, cooking and life. This is what works for me—or sometimes doesn't. That doesn't mean it will/won't work for you. When it comes to your health and fitness, do your research. Everybody is different.